Went to my 21st parkrun at the weekend intending just to get round as had a bad nights sleep and queezy stomach. Halfway round I was giving in and decided to walk the rest. Then this family ran past with there 4 year old . I thought that if she can do it,I should give it a go.

I ran past them but before long they all passed me, the girl looking back at me smiling. We went on like this round the track and it turned into a cat and mouse game, taking my mind off my self.

On the last lap and I thought I had it in the bag. Then the mother said that there were chocolates when you finish. The little girl went into overdrive and just flew with me call out for her to save me some.

I chatted to her at the finished asking to check out her shoes to make sure she did not have wheels on the bottom. She took them off to show me "look no wheels" she said.

So I have challanged this runner 60 years younger than me and only on her 2nd parkrun to a rematch , with permission from her mum.............I can't wait.

You register to join Parkrun online and are given a barcode (athlete number) which you take with you.

When you finish the race you get a token as you cross the finish line.

Then someone scans your barcode and token with their barcode reader.

Later in the day you go on your parkrun site and there is a full list of the race.

How many ran that day

What position everyone can

What time you ran

If you ran faster than you have before at a parkrun (PB)

How many parkruns you have done

And lots more details .............

Also once you have your barcode you can turn up at any parkrun anywhere in the world and run there too. This is added to your details . So when you click on your name in the run list you get your own readings

All your parkruns where ever you ran

Your fastest and slowers times

A yearly best time and position

Age grading

When you got a PB

All this and more all free, Parkrun really is great.........but don't tell everyone or I will be further back in the race .

That's great Haven't done many parkruns but am used to being overtaken by small children What's a bit more off-putting is being overtaken by someone pushing a buggy with 2 children in - lovely family outing but hard not to be put out that i can't keep ahead of someone dealing with pushing that load